Take one bite of this pasta I have no doubt you will be wrestling for more! This dish provides many complimentary flavors and is truly one of my favorite pasta recipes. It's a simple and perfect dinner idea that originated in Italy, for you and your significant other!
Penne pasta is just so beautiful to look at! I love how easy it is to eat, yet it can make your pasta dish look like a 5-star plate!
This creamy tomato and spinach blend screams Italian cuisine to me. It all works out so smoothly together making every bite a delight to eat.
Pasta dishes are one of my weaknesses when it comes to making the right healthy choice. I just can't seem to let them go! The beautiful sauces placed over incredible pastas are just so hard to say no to! Experimenting with different sauces is so fun because it gives you a chance to diversify any pasta you might be craving!
When I told my husband what kind of pasta I would be making for dinner, he looked a little weary and though how could you have a pasta with a tomato and a cream base? So I told him to leave the cooking to me, and to expect nothing less than a restaurant quality pasta (I accepted that challenge in a heartbeat)!
Once all of the ingredients came together and the melted cheese covered the spinach and tomatoes while they were infused with a lovely sauce, this dish soon became one of my favorite pastas ever!
Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 4 People
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/2 lb Penne pasta
1 Onion, diced
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Olive oil
15 oz can diced tomatoes (I like to use half the can and the rest freshly chopped tomatoes)
1/2 tsp Dried oregano
1/2 tsp Dried basil
Pinch of Red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 Cup Water
2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
2 oz. Cream cheese, cut into chunks
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 9 oz .Bag fresh spinach
1/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, for garnish
*I decided to season some chicken breast with some garlic and herb spice, olive oil, basil, and oregano and slice it on top of the pasta, after pan-frying it in a skillet. This is completely optional if you are looking to add some protein in your dish!*
INSTRUCTIONS
Place a large pot of water on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil.
Once the water boils, add the pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, tender to the touch, which is a bout 7-10 minutes. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander.
While the pasta is cooking, put the diced onion and minced garlic in a large skillet with the olive oil. Cook on a medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, until the onions become transparent.
Add the tomatoes (canned/fresh) with the juices, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir ingredients to combine.
Once combined, add the tomato paste and water and keep stirring until the paste dissolves.
Turn the heat to low and add the cream cheese chunks. Use a whisk to stir until the cream cheese completely melts. (If the sauce doesn't look creamy enough, you can always add more cream cheese, a little at a time)
Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and continue whisking until it has melted.
Add the fresh spinach and stir it into the sauce gently, until the leaves have wilted.
If your skillet is large enough, add the pasta to it and stir until it is well coated in the sauce. (If your skillet is too small, you can pour the sauce over the pasta in a different pot or serving dish!).
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.
Top with mozzarella cheese and serve warm!
*This dish pairs great with a garlic bread or a fresh garden salad!*
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